A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Setubal vs. Pamplona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Pamplona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Pamplona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Pamplona?

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Pamplona is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Setubal and Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Pamplona 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Pamplona 134
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Pamplona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Setubal


Hotels in Pamplona


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Setubal Hotel Prices and Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Pamplona 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona and Setubal change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Setubal 35
    Pamplona 41

Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Ice Cream
    4.50
  • Coffee
    1.30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Pamplona 34

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Evora Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.59
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $17
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $38
  • Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $38
  • Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $38
  • Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $43
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $44
  • Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $44
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pamplona are as follows:

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Pamplona 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

Also in Pamplona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is Pamplona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Pamplona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Setubal or Pamplona?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Setubal or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Setubal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Setubal is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Pamplona averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Pamplona. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In October, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Pamplona. Additionally, many travelers come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Setubal is a little warmer than Pamplona in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Setubal is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Pamplona averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Setubal

Setubal Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)